CupcakKe Brings Raunch, Social Awareness on New Album

On her second LP of 2018, CupcakKe offers a second helping of her trademark sexual licentiousness, while at the same time dishing her distaste on more serious issues. Previous albums from the Chicago rapper have gotten progressively better and better, with Eden breaking even more new ground.

One look at the song titled “Garfield” and anyone familiar with Elizabeth Harris’ prior work immediately knew she’d be punning a certain female genitalia and the cartoon cat. The track starts with her meowing seductively, teasing “Here kitty, kitty”. Before long, she’s already facetiously painting imagery with lines far too inappropriate to cite in this review (and we reviewed Straight Outta Compton with lyric citing). For those who crank CupcakKe for her signature raunch, this is likely to be their favorite track. One thing about Eden, though, is the plethora of songs fans with a dirty sense of humor will find entertaining. “Typo” is another, with a hook chant that doesn’t wholeheartedly make a ton of sense, but still cracks a laugh. “Blackjack” (along with its borderline-pornographic music video) is also ripe to fit right into the CupcakKe zeitgeist.

While CupcakKe is famous for her over the top debauchery, she’s been known for more serious tunes as well. “Cereal and Water” phenomenally bashes the flawed parenting styles of materialistic and uncaring caregivers. It proves yet again the rapper’s rapid-fire range can go beyond her bedroom happenings. “A.U.T.I.S.M.” is a cute closer threatening anyone who makes fun of people with the disease. The often comedic sexual lyrics take a more solemn turn on “Dangled”. Versatility reigns supreme with “Cereal and Water” stealing the spotlight on the LP.

Including January’s Ephorize, Eden is her fourth LP, and arguably the naughtiest release of the young star’s career. Those who thought this year’s other release was lacking in X-rated songs will be relieved to hear to the rapper’s hysterical innuendos on every other track. The savvy one-liners are more prevalent and quotable than ever like “Still want more, Tic-tac-toe/ Ni**a just got three holes in a row” on “Blackjack”. While the production hasn’t varied much throughout her career, listening to CupcakKe for the beat sounds is the equivalent of playing Fortnite for that co-op survival mode. Her magnetic flow improves with each release, and it’s currently at its best on Eden.

Some people listen to music to relax and unwind. Others listen to CupcakKe. It’s because of her one-of-a-kind style that the Chicago MC hasn’t caught a larger audience, but Eden proves the 21-year-old has been careening towards the prime of her career.